Once your pregnancy is 18-20 weeks old, you will start perceiving your baby’s movement. What you perceive may be a kick, a roll or flutter. The kicks are usually more in the afternoon and evening; remember your baby sleeps too.

Every woman should take note of the pattern of her baby movement, report any reduction to your doctor, don’t wait for the next antenatal visit.

Reduction in baby kick can occur if

1. the baby is sleeping
2. if the baby’s growth is reduced
3. the baby is malformed
4. the baby is too big
5. if the water around the baby is not enough
6. if the mother has taken sedatives e.g. valium, tramadol or alcohol
7. a mother that is very busy may also not notice her baby’s movement
8. the mother smokes

What you can do

1. rest on your side
2. avoid intake of alcohol
3. check the drugs you have used recently
4. Do fetal kick count; sit or lay in a comfortable position in a room without distraction (TV, radio, noise). Make a count of the baby movement you perceive for the next 2 hours. A count of more than 10 kicks in 2 hours is normal
5. Visit your doctor for examination and possibly a scan.